"Today is a victory for unmarried same-sex and elderly heterosexual domestic partners who will no longer be denied hospital visitation, tax-related benefits or health insurance coverage if it is offered by employers," said Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen). "The 'Domestic Partnership Act' helps committed domestic partners sharing their lives together overcome daily challenges. This law is about equality and fairness for domestic partners living in New Jersey."

Those who wish to become domestic partners must be of the same sex and at least 18 years of age or must be at least 62 years of age and not of the same sex. Those qualifying individuals would need to complete and file an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership with their local registrar. The fee for filing such an affidavit will be determined by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services at a later date.

If an individual does not follow the specified provisions of the bill and knowingly submits inaccurate information to the State, he or she could be subjected to civil penalties and fines up to $1000. If a local registrar knowingly submits a false Certificate of Domestic Partnership to the State, the local registrar could also face penalties and fines up to $500.

"New Jersey joins the vanguard of states that protect domestic partners who are committed to sharing their lives together and nurturing caring families," said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). "Personal and emotional relationships that are the foundation for many families-including domestic partners - should be respected in our communities."

If the domestic partners wish to terminate the arrangement, the Superior Court would have jurisdiction over all proceedings relating to the termination of the partnership, including the division and distribution of jointly held property.

"Life's everyday activities, such as paying taxes, seeking medical care or rendering legal decisions, should not be more complicated for domestic partners," said Roberts (D-Camden). "The Domestic Partnership Act eases restrictions that harm domestic partners, their children and surviving partners."

The bill makes clear that while individuals in domestic partnerships share many of the same emotional and financial bonds as married couples; domestic partnership is clearly distinct from marriage. The bill draws two chief legal distinctions to reflect the differences. Property acquired by one partner during a domestic partnership is treated as the property of that individual, unlike in a marriage where joint ownership may arise by law. In addition, the status of domestic partnership neither creates nor diminishes individual partners' rights and responsibilities toward children, unlike in a marriage where both spouses possess legal rights and obligations with respect to any children born during the marriage.

"Benefits and rights should not be denied based upon familial relationships. Recognizing domestic partnerships will ensure that committed same-sex couples have access to the benefits their employers offered to spouses and dependents in traditional families," said Impreveduto (D-Hudson)

That may be the agenda. But nothing will take the place of marriage. It isn't done for the law; it is a commitment between 2 people, vowing to spend eternity together. Those vows we repeat our for us. It gives tangible proof to what is in our hearts. WE need to hear those words. There is a security that (if the vows were spoken in sincerity & trust) that someone will be in your corner for the rest of your life. That you don't have to walk this crappy world, alone.

I haven't seen what the plan is if this 'partnership' wants to be dissolved.

The bill makes clear that while individuals in domestic partnerships share many of the same emotional and financial bonds as married couples; domestic partnership is clearly distinct from marriage. The bill draws two chief legal distinctions to reflect the differences. Property acquired by one partner during a domestic partnership is treated as the property of that individual, unlike in a marriage where joint ownership may arise by law. In addition, the status of domestic partnership neither creates nor diminishes individual partners' rights and responsibilities toward children, unlike in a marriage where both spouses possess legal rights and obligations with respect to any children born during the marriage.

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Well this really blows because I made a commentment of better or worse and in sickness and in health and when I get on her nerves and when she wants to paint the kitchen or whatever, I do my part because we jointly made a sound decision in our lives. So with little or no effect I could have just co habitated and called my lady my domestic partner I guess like a pet but it talks! So in doing that I really don't have to bring much to the table, like a goof so if I get tired of the "arrangement" I can freely leave and sew for part ownership of funds,home and assets, or get benifits. What a damn sham I wonder which or how many politicians got kicks backs over this idea

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